Indonesia

Dive Locations

A World Heritage Site since 1991, Komodo National Park is home to the legendary Komodo dragon and some of the best diving in the world. The waters offer an incredible variety of marine life including critters, sharks, manta rays, dolphin, whales and turtles.

For divers interested in the weird and wonderful, Lembeh Strait offers the best muck diving on earth! Attracting marine experts from around the world, it is home to a huge array of rare and unusual marine life, with new species regularly being discovered.

North Sulawesi is home to the beautiful steep coral reef walls of Bunaken National Marine Park, attracting divers of all levels to its warm waters, clear visibility and pristine walls covered in soft corals and sponges, surrounded by barracuda, moray eels and turtles.

Away from the main island of Bali are the more secluded gems of Nusa Lembongan, Penida & Ceningan, where you can find some truly exhilarating drift dives. Highlights include manta rays, reefs packed with marine life and seasonal migrations of the rare mola mola.

Known as ‘The Four Kings’, Raja Ampat is an archipelago of majestic islands at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. Relatively unexplored until recently, it is the most biodiverse marine region on earth and is now at the top of many divers’ wish lists.

Tulamben, on Bali’s northeast coast is most famous for the wreck of the USS Liberty, home to plenty of bumphead parrotfish and great for underwater photographers. Other highlights include the drop-off at Kubu and plenty of critters on amazing house reefs.

Located in the far eastern reaches of Indonesia, the Alor Archipelago consists of 20 islands. Home to the Pantar Strait Marine Park, here you will find a bountiful marine life boosted by strong currents, and some of the best preserved coral reef systems in Indonesia.

Ambon’s intriguing shoreline has a habit of throwing up the weird and the wonderful. Muck diving in the region has become legendary, yet the clear water sites on the south coast offer divers a great combination making this a must visit destination.

Often overlooked as a dive destination, Bali offers exceptional diving, from superb macro life to exciting drift dives and encounters with mantas. The wreck of the USS Liberty at Tulamben is the island’s signature dive, while the elusive mola mola are seen seasonally.

The remote Banda Sea in eastern Indonesia is a vast expanse of water which includes Ambon, the Banda Islands, Seram, Wetar, Kai and Aru Islands. Best explored by liveaboard, it offers abundant marine life on pristine reefs, steep drop-offs, and pelagics and critters galore.

Cenderawasih, along with Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, makes up the Bird’s Head Seascape, a vast bay with healthy coral gardens and dramatic vertical walls. Reached only by liveaboard, the area has recently shot to fame due to its unique whale shark population.

Off the northwest coast of Lombok, lie the three famous islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. The islands boast white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters with extensive reefs, abundant sea life and turtles, which are popular with divers and snorkellers.

Located in the northern Moluccas, the remote island of Halmahera sits half way between Lembeh Strait and Raja Ampat and promises exceptional diving opportunities for adventurous divers, right at the heart of the Coral Triangle.

This remote area of Indonesia is worth the journey for intrepid divers. Highlights include Big Fish Country, the channel dive at Maratua Atoll, manta ray encounters at Sangalaki and non-stinging jellyfish at Kakaban; all part of the Derawan Archipelago.

Menjangan Island and Pemuteran are located on Bali’s northwest coast, and feature some of the island’s most recognised and favourite dive sites. Diving is available year round, with Menjangan renowned for its wall diving and Pemuteran for its rich coral slopes.

Located in southeast Sulawesi, the Wakatobi islands are in Tukang Besi Archipelago and can be dived from resort and liveaboard. Uniquely, there are fringing and barrier reefs as well as atolls, ensuring incredible variety and fantastic diving, with large numbers of cetaceans.

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of Bali, beautifully located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines. For more than a century, it has been the island’s centre for fine arts, dance and music, and you can still see the daily rituals of the Balinese culture today.

Dive trips

The best dive sites in Indonesia are reached by liveaboard, especially the famous Raja Ampat and Komodo national parks. Extend your trip with time in resort to enjoy a memorable holiday experience around this expansive archipelago.

14 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Suitable for divers of all abilities, this itinerary travels to the mystical island of Nusa Lembongan for a tropical escape and a unique diving experience. The mantas are mesmerising and the reefs are vibrant.

Diving in Indonesia is a rewarding experience, especially when combining two locations famed for their incredible biodiversity. Discover abundant critters in Ambon and gaze at majestic manta rays in Raja Ampat.

Join a liveaboard adventure in Raja Ampat, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth! Choose from a variety of vessels and itineraries to discover majestic islands with sharks, manta rays, turtles and enormous schools of fish.

The allure of Alor is its eclectic mix of marine life and diving experiences, where you can encounter blue whales, explore reefs and discover critters. This remote location is undeniably enchanting - it will not disappoint.

Immense diving experiences are to be had in the Maratua Atoll. The underwater world boasts colourful reefs, critters, huge schools of barracuda, sharks, turtles, manta rays and a lake of non-stinging jellyfish.

One of Indonesia's most iconic and exciting diving areas, the vast Komodo National Park is best dived by liveaboard to fully appreciate the area's riches, which include critters, sharks, manta rays, napoleon wrasse and turtles.

Combine two of Bali’s best diving areas - Tulamben Bay and Pemuteran - and stay at two of the island’s most sought after and stylish dive resorts, before a relaxing couple of days in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.

Wakatobi offers an opportunity to dive the world’s most pristine reefs, whilst at the same time participating in the protection of the area's tremendously rich marine heritage, from land or liveaboard.

Experience Bali’s excellent diving and culture either as an add-on to your Indonesian liveaboard safari or as a complete and inexpensive dive holiday. The ‘Island of the Gods’ offers exceptional diving for all levels.

Learn to dive in the warm, clear waters of Indonesia and you'll be amazed by the biodiversity of marine life and relaxed, friendly way of life. Sulawesi, in particular, offers a spectacular underwater world for new divers.

When to go: May-Nov

Duration inc. flights: 10 days

Price inc. flights: From £2,095pp

Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea

When to go

Indonesia’s climate is complex, with different weather conditions for each region.

Seasons

Dry season

Apr to Oct: The majority of Indonesia is dry, although the Moluccas are wet. The best months to dive Bali, Komodo, Kalimantan and Manado.

Wet season

Nov to Mar: This season tends to bring more rainfall, although many localised weather patterns exist.The best months to dive Raja Ampat.

Wildlife events

Nov to Mar: Best months to visit Raja Ampat

Jul to Sep: Mola Mola encounters around Nusa Lembongan are common

Jun to Oct: Best months to visit Komodo

Dive Resorts

28 recommended places to stay.
Please contact us for further suggestions.

Located on the shores of Sumbawa, overlooking the western side of the Komodo National Park, Kalimaya Dive Resort offers quality accommodation, exquisite diving and plenty of opportunity to relax and recharge.

A tropical island paradise off the coast of east Kalimantan, this small exotic resort is ecologically sound and perfectly located to dive the signature sites of the Maratua Atoll including Sangalaki and Kakaban.

Alam Anda is a hidden gem for those ‘in the know’, for many years achieving an almost cult status with its regular guests in northeast Bali. There is a variety of accommodation choices on offer to suit all budgets.

This boutique resort features traditional Balinese villas, set on the hillside overlooking the Badung Strait, with panoramic views of Bali. The excellent dive sites of Nusa Lembongan and Manta Point are nearby.

Built up on the cliffs at the entrance to Saparua Bay, Cape Paperu Resort & Spa is ideal for divers, snorkellers and also nature lovers – the nearby dive sites offer coral gardens, sheer walls and colourful fish.

Eco Divers is the only operator in Lembeh to offer you all the comfort of a resort combined with the convenience of a liveaboard. A great choice for divers wanting to get the best out of Lembeh Strait's macro heaven.

Built under shady palms amongst tropical gardens, this beachfront resort is located on the small tropical island of Gangga in northern Sulawesi, perfectly located for world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Finely balancing the comforts of first class accommodation and beautiful natural surrondings, this traditional Lombok style hotel is a good choice for divers wanting to explore the sites around the Gili Islands.

Located on the sunrise side of the peninsula, this intimate resort, known as KBR, lies in the heart of the Lembeh Strait, home of muck diving. It has its own house reef and access to 50 dive sites within a short boat ride.

Located on a fine black sandy lava beach near Pemuteran in the north west of Bali, this 5-star resort is typically Balinese in style, with spectacular views of the Java Sea. It offers a luxury retreat for divers and non-divers alike.

Hidden away in the remote north west corner of Bali, this 4-star resort has been designed to reflect the local landscape and offers visitors a relaxing, back to nature experience with some great diving opportunities.

Pondok Sari is a traditionally built, 4-star hotel in West Bali National Park on the uncrowded northwest coast, with access to the underwater delights of Menjangan Island, Secret Bay and the Coral Reef Project.

Located in a prime location on the north east of Bali, a short distance from the famous area of Tulamben, this resort offers exceptional value for money and world-class dive sites with plenty of macro life.

Located in the heart of the Bunaken National Marine Park, Siladen Resort & Spa is an exclusive hidden getaway offering guests a relaxed atmosphere and an unforgettable holiday experience on a tropical island.

Tasik Ria is North Sulawesi’s unique resort for divers, families and adventure seekers. A family run property, it offers comfort and warm hospitality, with all the conveniences of an international resort.

The luxurious Tambora has been engineered for a minimum of noise and vibration and aims to take you on an exhilarating journey through the Indonesian archipelago, unique in diversity and home to the world’s best dive sites.

Built for adventure, this classic phinisi cruises some of the most ecologically abundant areas of the planet including Komodo and Raja Ampat. With five cabins and an attentive crew, divers can expect an exceptional experience.

This 28 metre steel motor yacht offers comprehensive nine night itineraries to Raja Ampat and Komodo. She accommodates 15 guests in a variety of cabins, with a large dive platform, equipment rental and Nitrox.

Visiting remote and unexplored areas, the Maluku Explorer offers pristine exploration diving at the heart of Indonesia's Coral Triangle, where you can expect breathtaking scenery and an amazing biodiversity of marine life.

The MS Aurora is a luxurious double masted traditional phinisi, designed for a discerning clientele. Cruising Indonesia year round, there are a variety of itineraries to choose from, all showcasing marine biodiversity at its best.

This 52 metre luxury phinisi first set sail in 2010 and was built with locally grown timber by indigenous craftsmen using ancient traditional methods. Enjoy up to four dives per day on itineraries throughout Indonesia.

Operating in Indonesia - and, on occasion, Micronesia - the MSY Damai II is a traditional Indonesian schooner. There are a variety of itineraries available, and she is accompanied by two custom designed high speed tender boats.

Accommodating just ten guests, this boutique yacht is based at Wakatobi and can be easily combined with a stay at the resort. The region offers pristine reefs, muck diving, steep walls, caves and drift diving.

The Pindito is a traditional Indonesian liveaboard, accommodating 16 guests in spacious cabins. Depending on the season, she cruises Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat, visiting dive sites of unparalleled excellence.